As a child, I have vivid memories of Remembrance Day ceremonies at school. They were solemn, thoughtful, touching and heart-felt. We not only learned about the many veterans who gave so much for our freedom, but also why their actions were needed in times when human rights and democracy were threatened. Even at such a young age, I understood these lessons because they were taught with such authenticity. We were visited by veterans, who shared their stories first-hand with us; we created poppies to be placed on our school memorial; we wrote thank-you cards to the men and women who served their country. These were powerful lessons that still resonate with me.
Fast-forward to today… my school-age daughter is being taught about our history and the important role of veterans. At the tender age of four, she is learning gratitude and respect through the experiences of real men and women who fought for us. And she, too, has created a poppy (her first!) to place in our window – a reminder that we should never, ever forget.
On this day every year let us stop, take a few moments out of our busy day, and remember the men and women, both at home and abroad, who have made sacrifices so we can be free.
To them, we say Thank You.
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